With a significant winter storm expected to hit Monmouth County on Wednesday, March 7, Sheriff Shaun Golden and his team are warning County residents to be prepared, stay informed and to follow the direction of public safety officials.

“We will be doing our jobs and ask that residents continue to monitor the weather and follow the direction of public safety officials,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose office runs OEM. “It’s expected to be a major storm, particularly Wednesday afternoon through the evening. If we all heed the warnings, pay close attention and are prepared to act accordingly, it will help lessen the impact of the storm.”

“Preparing, planning and staying informed makes dealing with weather related events that may affect Monmouth County, much easier,” said Mike Oppegaard, OEM Coordinator. “Now is the time to take basic steps and plan what you will do if heavy snow, high winds and flooding occurs or if power goes out for an extended period of time.”

Golden said that Public Safety Telecommunicators are on hand and prepared for the influx of emergency calls expected throughout the storm.

Residents are being asked to not call 9-1-1 unless they experience a real emergency. It’s important to keep the emergency 9-1-1 lines open so that public safety telecommunicators can process each real emergency call and help those truly in need. In addition, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division is prepared to assist municipalities in the event that power outages occur. Highway emergency assistance teams will be deployed to strategic locations for assistance with stranded motorists.

“If you have to travel, please use extreme caution and leave extra time. Safety works when we all work together” said Sheriff Golden.

The Sheriff’s Office will be updating the public with storm related information via facebook, twitter, and Instagram @MonmouthSheriff.

The Sheriff’s app can be downloaded at the Apple app store or the Google Play Store. Search: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.